Sky Sports Living for Sport 'is having all-round impact'

Mike Atherton and David Lloyd say Sky Sports Living for Sport is having an all-round impact on kids' lives.

Last Updated: 24/05/13 4:22pm

The free initiative, run in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, aims to boost confidence and raise attainment levels and currently reaches over 30,000 students in a third of all secondary schools in the UK.

Following this week's successful Sky Sports Living for Sport launch in Ireland, former England captain Atherton and Lloyd - who played nine Tests before becoming England coach - highlighted the all-round impact the scheme is having.

"If you are finding things difficult, sport is a great vehicle to lift you and give yourself esteem," said Bumble. "It's wonderful to be part of a community alongside other people who share the same goals.

"You don't have to be a world-beater and it doesn't have to be cricket - there are so many sports out there that can give you that boost.

"There are also other sides to sport. You may be an official within a sport - you may be a scorer, an administrator. We do need umpires, we do need referees. They have a crucial role to play."

Engaged

Fellow Sky Sports Cricket commentator Atherton, who played in 115 Tests, added: "As a lot of state schools have cut back on sport, it's great that initiatives like this are helping to give kids a chance in sport.

"Lots of people who perhaps who haven't had the opportunity to become engaged by sport will find that they're good at it.

"There's a lot of downtime outside of school hours and during long school holidays. If you can find something to engage you and take up your time - and to be committed to - then that's fabulous.

"Cricket is a game that can take up a lot of time. People who play sport, and cricket in particular, are much better at managing their time because they have to be."

To find out more about Sky Sports Living for Sport - including how you can get involved - visit www.skysports.com/livingforsport.